The Loft Review

Review by Nastasia Campanella

A loft as the name suggests, is going to be a small joint. The tiny space out the back of the pumping Cargo Bar is small enough to be cute, but not quite big enough for a huge dance party.

Owned by the Short family, The Loft opened in 2003. Since then, it has hosted parties for magazine launches, awards nights and corporate events. The decor is a mix of Spanish and Moroccan influences. Thick, deep red carpets are contrasted against earthy colours in the timber and walls. Plush lounges, dim lighting and huge Spanish chandeliers behind the bar fit in well too. Really, though, it’s the water views that complete the look.

The food and drinks continue the Moorish theme. Share plates of tapas are on offer from about $20. Good platters are the spicy meatballs. I like the salt and pepper squid and the trio of dips served with flat Lebanese bread too. Drinks Wise, there are wines from around Australia and international drops from Italy, Spain and Portugal. They start from $10 a glass. The cocktails are simply amazing follow a very European / Middle Eastern theme too. Many contain mint, Italian sparkling wine, brown sugar and fresh lime.

This is a tiny place where conversation is encouraged, the DJ spins soft house most nights and bar staff aren’t always the quickest at mixing drinks. Most nights, you’ll find people popping in and out for a drink after work. On the weekends, men in suits and well healed women teeter around the bar with beautiful handbags over their bony shoulders. If you’re up for high tea with a twist, The Loft has that covered as well. Available for small groups on the weekends, you can keep the British tradition alive in Sydney by ordering teapots with your favourite cocktail bubbling away inside. Oh, yeh, you get finger sized cakes and perfectly sliced sandwiches too.

The Loft is one of those places you can go for a quiet catch up. The music isn’t blasting out of the speakers and although there is a small dance floor, hardly anyone seems to use it. It is a place where the drinks are, well, just average. The food could always do with a bit of work here-and-there, but over all, you’ll enjoy your time in The Loft.

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